Thailand is known for its ancient massage techniques, but here's something you may not realize: there's also a longstanding tradition of training masseuses who are visually impaired.
These therapists are considered masters of the craft, providing strong, intuitive massages with a heightened sense for touch and feel. I've always been curious to try, especially after hearing about blind massage schools in the northern mountain city of Chiang Mai and the resort destination Hua Hin. I was lucky enough to give it a try in the capital Bangkok at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, a hotel located in the Thai-centric shopping district Ladprao.
The hotel's spa, Spa Cenvaree, is the only one in Centara's large portfolio with blind massage therapists. Centara Grand Ladprao has partnered with a blind massage initiative in Chiang Mai to hire graduates of their program, which helps the visually impaired find jobs. Two therapists have been employed so far, a Thai man named Decha who was been working at the spa for over 20 years and Songkran, a woman in her 30s who came onto the team in 2013.
I laid down in one of the treatment rooms and Songkran shuffled in, feeling her way around the massage table. She has learned to speak English very well, as a requirement of the job and training she has received from the program in Chiang Mai. She asked me a series of questions about where to focus and problem areas, nodding and smiling serenely as I explained.
When I closed my eyes and finally floated off into relaxation, I could tell from the first touch what an incredible instinct she had for how much pressure to apply. Her hands took firm strokes working into the small of my back, where I often have aches from constantly sitting at a computer. She moved slowly around the table, calmly feeling her way around.
Afterwards, Songkran told me about how happy she was working as a masseuse. In the beginning, she was nervous, she said, because she couldn't really imagine what touching a body would be like. But now that she is a professional, and takes great passion in providing people with good health. With this job, she is able to send money back to her family who live in a rural region outside of Chiang Mai.
I would definitely recommend heading to Centara Ladprao and getting a massage from Songkran or her colleague, Decha. Call ahead, as I hear they both have a lot of regular clients and tend to get booked up fast!
I was given this type of massage once and it was amazing! Since they only use a sense of touch, they know exactly where the tension is. I also love how this type of massages create jobs for those who are visually impaired.
Wonderful! Where in Thailand did you have it done? Would be interested to try it outside of Bangkok as well.
I did it in Bangkok as well lol never really seen it anywhere else.
also in Cambodia and VIetnam i had it once.
Cool! I haven't been to either of those countries but they're on my bucket list!
Nice! I need a blind thai massage too!
Congratulations @culture.vulture! You received a personal award!
Click here to view your Board
Congratulations @culture.vulture! You received a personal award!
You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking
Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!